Below you will find the most commonly asked questions I receive from clients. My answers are solely my opinions based on my personal experiences and they are to be used for educational purposes only. Since I am not a medical doctor I cannot treat, diagnose or claim to cure any condition. I encourage you to educate yourself, to work with your medical doctor and to see what works best for you.

Q: What do you eat in an average day?

A: On any given day I have a fruit smoothie or a glass of fresh pressed juice in the morning, oranges or grapes mid morning, a salad for lunch, mangoes in the afternoon and either a big salad or a vegan entrée for dinner. I eat approximately 80% uncooked fruits and vegetables and 20% cooked vegan foods most days. I am not a purist so I am not 100% raw generally although I do recommend trying to eat 100% raw, living, hydrating foods for 3-7 days at a time to speed up the cleansing process in your body.

Q: You said I should check my urine to see if I my kidneys are filtering but what exactly does urine sediment look like?

A: If your kidneys are filtering your body's acid cellular wastes correctly you should see tiny specks and mucus strings in your urine. Since your skin is your body's third kidney, if you have skin issues you will notice that your skin will begin to clear up after your kidneys start filtering better.

Q: You note the importance of alkalizing the body. Can't I just drink alkaline water to accomplish this task?

A: I do not recommend drinking alkaline water because the mechanical process of alkalizing the water actually changes the molecular structure of the water. This makes the water a different and unhealthy substance better used to clean your carpet than to hydrate your body. When attempting to alkalize the body there is no substitute for eating ripe, organic living foods.

Remember: Health is not found in a bottle, a product or a treatment. To regain your health, you must focus on the health of the cells and the two major fluids that the cells are bathed in - the blood and the lymph fluids.

Whenever you are wondering about the truth about things look to the animal kingdom. If you do this you will notice that our closest relatives, the primates, eat a diet which consists of predominately fruits and leafy greens. They do not eat cooked foods, animal proteins or processed foods.

Q: I started eating lots of raw fruits and veggies and my skin broke out with a terrible rash. Why did that happen? Doesn't that prove that fruit causes Candida overgrowths? What should I do now?

A: Please visit my Detoxification Q & A page and you will see that skin eruptions are a side effect of natural detoxification. The fruits did not cause Candida to overgrow and the skin to erupt. The fruits helped to get the lymphatic system moving.

When the kidneys are too weak to move these cellular wastes out of the body, the skin, the body's third kidney, has to move them out. Drinking water with lemon will move this process along faster although you may see outbreaks for a while. Look for urine sediment by urinating in a clear jar. When sediment is seen, skin issues should lessen considerably. Expect this process to take a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of your past skin issues.

Q: Why do you recommend limiting my protein intake?

A: High protein diets tear down the kidneys and are associated with colon cancer. This occurs because animal proteins are high in nitrogen which is converted to nitric acid in the body. These acids, and other acids such as uric acid, lactic acid and carbonic acid, cause inflammation which results in pain and damaged cells.

The renal/kidney diet limits protein intake to 20 grams per day. This is no more than 3 ounces of protein, about the size of a deck of cards, per day. We don't actually need protein, especially animal proteins, to survive. We need the building blocks of protein which are called amino acids. Amino acids are found in all fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. If you choose to eat animal protein, try to eat the very best quality grass fed, organic meats.

Also, I do not recommend protein powders because they can actually lock up (constipate) the bowels. Better options include organic hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts and pine nuts.

Q: During detoxification you recommend that I eat a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables. If I don't eat animal protein where will I get my vitamin B12 and iron?

A: In order to understand the roles of B12 and iron we have to first understand where they are made in the body. They are made in the adrenal glands as a byproduct of metabolism. When the adrenal glands are weak as they are in most humans these days, the natural levels of B12 and iron are low. Eating animal protein will increase these levels but this process actually only medicates the weak adrenal glands (acting as a temporary stimulant to the body).

When animal protein is taken away a person can feel fatigued and may even feel like their blood sugar is crashing. This is why I recommend that my clients transition off of animal proteins very slowly and gradually. I recommend that clients who are used to eating animal proteins try to eat the cleanest sources of animal protein as condiments on top of a salad or in a soup. That way they can reduce the burden of animal proteins on their kidneys and adrenal glands while feeling balanced during this time. As their health improves they will have less of a need for stimulants like meats, white sugars and caffeinated beverages.

During this transitional time, an individualized protocol of tissue specific herbal formulas can be used to clean, strengthen and wake up the adrenal glands so that nutrition can be absorbed and utilized more efficiently in the body. Foods such as leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, lentils, black beans and blackstrap molasses are also excellent sources of iron. B12 can be obtained from foods like nutritional yeast.

Q: You recommend not eating dairy. Shouldn't I eat products like yogurt to get my calcium?

A: Dairy is mucus forming. Mucus obstructs the body's lymphatic flow and leads to chronic sinus, headaches and breathing conditions. Most commercially available yogurts are filled with sugar and are not health promoting.

To address calcium needs I recommend increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, romaine and chard as well as addressing the needs of your parathyroid gland. Since the parathyroid gland controls how calcium is utilized in the body it is important to optimize its efficiency. Sea vegetables such as dulse, kelp and nori are beneficial for the parathyroid and thyroid glands.

Q: Why are you so adamantly opposed to eating soy products?

A: I do not recommend that anyone consume soy products because ~93% of soy is genetically modified. Soy is soaked in hexane during the manufacturing process which increases its toxicity. Soy is also an estrogen mimicker. Increased estrogen levels lead to estrogen dominance (hormone imbalances) in women and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in men. Soy is a cheap filler substance used in many types of products including breads, energy bars and salad dressings. Always read labels to avoid consuming it.

Q: Isn't the diet that you are promoting too extreme? Why should I make these kinds of diet and lifestyle changes?

A: While eating a high percentage of fruits and vegetables is not the norm in our country it is actually the food that we were designed to eat. If you look at this question logically you will see that the true extreme measure is not changing your diet. Real examples of extreme measures are the consequences of not changing your diet such as:

Having surgery to unblock clogged arteries

Being chronically exhausted

Losing a leg due to poor circulation & blood sugar issues

Having to take daily pharmaceutical medications

Carrying the extra weight of an additional person

Having to take daily insulin injections

Being in chronic pain

Having surgery to remove damaged body parts

Being chronically constipated

Becoming financially bankrupt due to medical bills

Surviving but not thriving

Q: Do I need to take vitamins and minerals to be healthy?

A: I no longer advocate taking vitamin and mineral supplements. It is much better to get your vitamins and minerals in their whole food forms. When we take an isolated vitamin or mineral it can actually create more imbalances in the body. When we take a calcium supplement, for example, it can build up in the body creating bone spurs and arthritic knuckles. It is much better to get absorbable calcium from foods like green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds and sea vegetables than to take a chalky calcium supplement that is not well absorbed in the body.

In addition, Vitamin C is much more absorbable in the form of an orange than in the form of a pill. Toss the supplements and focus on whole, ripe, raw, organic fruits and vegetables.

I work with my clients to help them improve the function of their cells, glands, organs and tissues. When we focus on the health of cells, the body's four main processes of digestion, absorption, utilization and elimination improve thereby allowing better use of the nutrition that is ingested.

If I were to take a daily supplement while going through this cleansing and rebuilding process I would take a whole food herbal SuperFood blend.

Q: How do I make a fruit smoothie?

A: To make a fruit smoothie, all you need is a blender, fresh or frozen fruit and water. You can try mangoes, strawberries, bananas, water and a handful of pitted dates to sweeten your smoothie. Never use dairy because it is mucus forming. If you want to add greens to help build and strengthen your body, try adding baby spinach. If you feel like you need protein, you can add some hemp or chia seeds.

This is a basic smoothie idea. Try to be creative and add in any fruits and leafy greens that you enjoy. For best digestion, juice your veggies separately or eat them whole.

Q: What is the best way to lose weight and increase my energy?

A: Filling out a food journal for one week will give you a good idea of what you are eating. I can go over it with you to show you which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. I can also show you how to improve your selections and how to slowly replace comfort foods with healthier versions. All you need is the desire to feel and look better. If you have the desire, I can guide you on your journey.

Q: When I think about a raw diet I think about eating raw sushi or steak tartare. What exactly is a raw, living foods diet?

A: Instead of using the word "raw" I like to use the words "living foods". Living foods are foods that have not been heated or cooked at temperatures above 118 degrees. When foods are cooked at higher temperatures they become denatured and lose valuable healing enzymes.

While it is true that the nutrients in some foods increase or become more bio-available during the cooking process (ex. the lycopene included in tomatoes) the vast majority of fruits and vegetables are more health promoting in their natural state.

We can look towards the animal kingdom when we are looking for the truth about health and wellness. Note that no animal cooks his or her foods before they are consumed.

In addition, foods like raw fish should not be consumed due to the infestation of parasites. If these are your favorite foods, you might consider an herbal parasite formula such as Parasite-Free.

Q: I started eating a raw diet and gained lots of weight. Why did that happen?

A: Many people who try to eat a high raw diet get caught in the trap of replacing their favorite meals with raw dishes that are made with high amounts of nuts. Nuts are very concentrated food sources so we should not too many of them at any given time. Nut based raw pizza crusts and raw desserts are often linked to weight gain. While some dietary fat from whole foods is healthy, many of these delicious substitute meals should be eaten only in moderation. They are what I refer to as "party foods". A cleansing, living foods diet should consist of mostly fresh, ripe, organic fruits and vegetables.

In terms of daily fats, I try to eat about 10-20% of my daily calories from healthy sources of dietary fats such as avocados, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, hemp seeds, olives and olive oil.

Q: What types of ingredients should I be looking for when I am shopping for products to eat, to use for personal care or to use to clean my home?

A: You want to look for basic ingredients that you recognize. Only eat, drink and put products on your body that you could theoretically grow on a farm.

The ingestion or use of laboratory chemicals will deteriorate your health over time. Examples of healthy vs. unhealthy labels are as follows:

Q: What does a healthy colon look like?

A: You can enlarge the image below to see what a healthy colon should look like versus some actual reproductions of colons derived from X-ray negatives in the 1970s by Dr. N.W. Walker.

Q: Why do you recommend light exercise for people who are healing?

A: Exercises such as swimming, walking, yoga, rebounding, stretching, Pilates and Tai chi are all good to gently move the lymphatic system. Any time a person exercises lactic acid is created. If you have ever felt the burn in your legs while running you will recognize lactic acids. When a person is already highly acidic the last thing they would want to do is overexert their body. Trying to reduce total body weight with sheer force will only create more acids in the body, which will in turn create more inflammation, more pain and more cellular damage.

In addition, note that the body eliminates its wastes more efficiently when the body is in a relaxed state. Notice how gastrointestinal elimination slows when you are travelling. Stress weakens the adrenal glands which in turns weakens peristalsis a.k.a. gastrointestinal contractions.

When a person is healing, rest is best so that the body's energy can be focused on cellular cleansing and regeneration.

Q: I am confused. Why are acidic lemons the most alkalizing fruit?

A: Citrus fruits are acidic outside the body but their ash (residue) is alkaline forming inside the body. This ash is a byproduct of metabolism. The nutrients in a ripe lemon are generally alkaline. Citric acid, a weak acid, neutralizes strong acids such as Uric Acid in the metabolic process. Similarly, Malic Acid (another “weak” acid) attacks Lactic Acid (a “strong” acid) making foods like apples and the apple’s unprocessed vinegar (apple cider vinegar) also alkalizing sources.

Q: No one in my circle of family and friends eats the way you are teaching me to eat. How do I learn more about how to add more living foods into my diet and get the support I need to make these changes?

A: Luckily, there are some wonderful people who have healed their health conditions and are serving as role models to people who are in need of their help.

Q: I have been eating a meatless vegetarian diet for over a decade. Isn't that a cleansing and detoxifying diet? Why would I want to make these changes?

A: While a vegetarian diet is generally considered healthy, it is important to note that a vegetarian diet can be just as acidic (inflammation promoting) as a diet containing meat.

Vegetarian diets are generally filled with acidifying foods such as cooked grains, soy and beans. These foods do not cleanse and heal the body the way that living foods do, therefore, long-term vegans and vegetarians are still prone to acidic and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

As I noted previously I am not a purist but I do recommend that my clients strive to eat a healing diet which contains 80% cleansing, living foods each day.

If you are eating 10% living foods work towards 20%. If you are eating 20% work towards eating 40%. This is a process and not a race. Transitioning my diet took me 5 full years. As you increase your intake of living foods your tastes will change and your energy will improve which will naturally lead you in a healthier direction.

Q: You have talked about your experience with bio-identical hormones including the use of various forms of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Do you recommend that I take them if I experiencing hormone imbalances?

A: No. In 95% of the people I work with I no longer recommend that hormones are taken either in their traditional pharmaceuticals versions or the safer bio-identical versions. If someone if truly suffering then they can work with their medical doctor to use them temporarily but only as a bridge until they can get their natural balance restored. In my opinion, however, this is not an optimal choice. It is better in the long run to make significant diet and lifestyle choices while using food based herbal formulas to improve overall health.

Any time the body receives any type of hormones (i.e. estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid) or steroids (i.e. Prednisone) the body's natural production of hormones and steroids is reduced. This means that the body will stop making its natural levels of hormones and steroids when it is getting them from other sources. This leads to increased glandular weaknesses and diminished health. If the adrenals are weak then the kidneys are weak. Since the kidneys control the lymphatic system, this process weakens the lymphatic system thereby weakening the person's overall immune response.

The bottom line is: if the adrenal glands are weak then the sex hormones and corticosteroids will be weak. My approach is to look at the underlying cause of the problem and work on restoring the health and vitality of cells - specifically the adrenal glands, parathyroid gland and thyroid gland.

Remember: Any supplement, pharmaceutical or natural version of the pharmaceutical will only mask or suppress the problem and not truly remedy it. This will lead to a dependence on the product for balance.

Restoring the function of the endocrine glands is a long process but it can be accomplished if one is dedicated to improving their overall health and well-being.

Q: You talked about being on antibiotics for over 30 years and the devastating effects they had on your health. What happens when they are taken? When should they be taken?

A: Antibiotics suppress the infection (i.e. Staph, Strep, etc.) but do nothing to clean out the wastes these bugs are feeding on so when we kill germs we essentially only kill nature's janitors.

Using this treatment based concept, many folks will also attempt to suppress a low grade fever with a fever reducing medicine. This is harmful because a fever is nature's way of dilating the skin and burning off the wastes. Antibiotics and fever reducing modalities make the body even weaker.

In an unhealthy body with a stagnant lymphatic system, the person becomes a sitting duck for any and every microbe in our environment. As the superbugs develop we are seeing that no human created antibiotic will overpower these infections.

You can't keep microbes (i.e. germs) out. If you keep using antibiotics you are killing the body's essential bacteria (good and bad). When you do this you kill the bacteria in the lymph nodes that are responsible for neutralizing acid wastes and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Using hand sanitizers when they are unnecessary also weakens the immune system by killing the good flora on your skin.

I am not a purist so in an emergency situation I would still take antibiotics if they were absolutely needed. I am actively working towards cleansing my culturing medium and addressing the underlying cause of infections so that these germs do not have the food source to overgrow in the first place.

Q: What is the simplest explanation of aging? Isn't it just the number of years one has been alive? What kinds of things are aging me and how can I slow the process down?

A: Of course aging is a normal life process but accelerated aging is a result of chronic damage to cellular DNA. If you look at long term raw foodists like Annette Larkins, 71, and Lou Corona, 62, you will see that they have taken great care to eat the healthiest, organically grown foods available. These healthful habits have significantly slowed down their personal aging processes. Eating this way allows the body's natural repair mechanisms to function at peak performance.

Some examples of everyday exposures that result in accelerated aging are as follows:

To see extreme examples of rapid aging from cellular damage check out the Meth users before and after photos. Tooth decay and skin deterioration are normal outcomes from even short term usage of this highly acidic addictive chemical drug.

Want to look and feel younger? Take the time to replace toxic foods, products and services whenever possible. Read labels. If you can't pronounce it - do not buy it. Each time you purchase a product or service you are voting with your dollars. Change starts with you!